Crossing: meaning, definitions and examples

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crossing

 

[ ˈkrɒsɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

road

A place where two roads or railway lines cross, typically with a bridge or tunnel to enable pedestrians or vehicles to cross from one side to the other.

Synonyms

crossroad, intersection, junction.

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Word Description / Examples
crossing

Used when referring to a place where two roads, paths, or railway tracks cross each other. It is often used in the context of pedestrians crossing a street.

  • Be careful when you're approaching the pedestrian crossing.
  • There's a railway crossing ahead, make sure to stop if the lights are flashing.
intersection

Refers to a place where two or more roads cross each other. Often used in discussions about traffic, urban planning, and road safety.

  • The traffic lights at the intersection make it easier to manage the flow of cars.
  • There's a lot of traffic at the intersection of Main Street and First Avenue.
junction

Mostly used in the context of a place where two or more roads or railways meet, often forming a complex set of routes for traffic. It may refer to larger and more complicated road networks.

  • We need to take the next junction to get onto the highway.
  • The railway junction is a major transit hub for the area.
crossroad

Used to describe places where two or more roads meet and cross each other. It is typically used metaphorically to refer to a crucial point in one's life.

  • Our house is located at the crossroad near the church.
  • She felt she was at a crossroad in her career, unsure of which path to take.

Examples of usage

  • The car stopped at the railway crossing as the train passed by.
  • The pedestrian waited for the traffic lights to change at the busy crossing.
Context #2 | Noun

animal behavior

The act of mating or breeding between two different breeds, species, or varieties.

Synonyms

crossbreeding, hybridization, interbreeding.

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Word Description / Examples
crossing

As stated before, this can also refer to the intersection of roads or paths.

  • Traffic at the busy crossing can be dangerous during rush hours
  • The crossing was marked with a clear pedestrian crosswalk
hybridization

This is a technical term often used in scientific contexts, particularly genetics, to refer to the process of combining different varieties or species to create hybrids. It's used in botany, zoology, and microbiology.

  • Hybridization in plants can lead to new species with desired traits
  • The researchers studied the hybridization of different fish species
interbreeding

This term typically refers to the breeding between different species, varieties, or populations, often with an emphasis on its genetic consequences. It can carry a negative connotation if referring to unintentional or problematic breeding in wild populations or in-breeding.

  • Interbreeding between wild wolves and domestic dogs can impact the genetics of both populations
  • The conservationists are concerned about the interbreeding of endangered species with more common ones
crossbreeding

This term is used in the context of breeding animals or plants from different varieties or species to create a hybrid. It's mostly used in agriculture, biology, and animal husbandry.

  • Farmers are crossbreeding different types of cattle to improve milk production
  • Crossbreeding can result in stronger, healthier plants

Examples of usage

  • The farmers observed the crossing between the sheep and goats in the pasture.
  • The wildlife documentary captured the crossing of a lion and a tiger in the wild.
Context #3 | Noun

river

A place where a river can be crossed, typically by a bridge or ferry.

Synonyms

bridge, ford, passage.

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Word Description / Examples
crossing

Used when referring to a place where people or vehicles go across a road, river, etc. It can be a pedestrian crossing or any designated place meant for passing.

  • Always use the pedestrian crossing when you want to cross the road
  • The train crossing is closed due to maintenance
bridge

Used when talking about a structure built over a river, road, or other obstacle to allow people, animals, or vehicles to cross from one side to the other.

  • The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States
  • We have to cross the bridge to reach the other side of the river
ford

Used specifically to refer to a shallow place in a river or stream where one can walk, drive, or ride across. It is often used in rural or outdoor settings.

  • The hikers decided to ford the river at its shallowest point
  • The old map showed a ford to cross the creek
passage

Used when talking about a narrow route, path, or channel that facilitates movement or travel between two places, often implying a sense of journey or difficulty.

  • The explorers found a hidden passage through the mountains
  • The ship navigated through the narrow passage between the islands

Examples of usage

  • The old stone bridge served as a crossing for villagers to reach the other side of the river.
  • The ferry provided a convenient crossing for vehicles and pedestrians.

Translations

Translations of the word "crossing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cruzamento

🇮🇳 पार करना

🇩🇪 Kreuzung

🇮🇩 penyeberangan

🇺🇦 перехрестя

🇵🇱 skrzyżowanie

🇯🇵 交差点 (kōsaten)

🇫🇷 croisement

🇪🇸 cruce

🇹🇷 kavşak

🇰🇷 교차로 (gyocharo)

🇸🇦 معبر

🇨🇿 křižovatka

🇸🇰 križovatka

🇨🇳 交叉路口 (jiāochālùkǒu)

🇸🇮 križišče

🇮🇸 gatnamót

🇰🇿 қиылыс

🇬🇪 გადასვლა

🇦🇿 kəsişmə

🇲🇽 cruce

Etymology

The word 'crossing' originates from the Old English word 'crūsung', which is derived from the verb 'crūsian' meaning 'to go across'. The concept of crossing paths or intersecting routes has been a fundamental aspect of human civilization, dating back to ancient times when bridges, fords, and pathways were established for travel and trade. Over the centuries, the term 'crossing' has evolved to encompass various contexts, from road intersections to animal breeding, reflecting the diverse ways in which crossing plays a role in our lives.

See also: cross, crossable, crossbar, crossbow, crosser, crosshair, crossly, crosspiece, crossroad, crossroads, crossway, crosswise, uncrossable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,417, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.